The fact is that the belts are held by former Soviet-bloc residents and Americans are left on the outside wishing they had a real contender. To be honest, though, it is nice to see that the cold-war isn't completely over; it lives on in the hearts of fight fans and their allegiance to the borders that contain them. At least the bigotry is aimed at their origins and not the color of the champion's skin, but does this make it any less ignorant? And yes, it is bigotry, for this isn't the first time that the four belts haven't been in American hands, hell, its was just a couple of years ago we faced the same scenario, and there was no fuss about it back then.

Back in 1999, Lennox Lewis was the true heavyweight champion, holding the IBF, WBA, and WBC versions of the heavyweight title; Vitali Klitschko held the WBO title. Could you refresh my memory, weren't Lewis from England and Klitschko from Ukraine? So that means an American held no part of the title, at all, and we only hated Lewis because he was boring to watch, not because he was British or Black. Americans should be used to the fact that the heavyweight title adorns the waist of foreign men, so it can only be nearsightedness that blinds them to the fact that it is splendid that no American is a heavyweight champion. Bear with me and pay attention and I will show you the bright future of the division and sport, starting with Nicolai Valuev

Last December the belts were held by John Ruiz (WBA/USA), Lamon Brewster (WBO/USA), Hasim Rahman (WBC/USA), and Chris Byrd (IBF/USA). Well, on December 17th of last year, Valuev first took the WBA strap from John Ruiz in a controversial bout, and then recaptured the belt from Norman Stone in a bizarre post-fight temper tantrum by Ruiz' former trainer. No matter how disputed, Valuev became the first Russian-born fighter to become heavyweight champion of the world. 

In April, we saw two Americans fall victim to Slovak hands. On April 1, Sergei Liakhovich battled Brewster in a spectacular 12 round war that saw Liakhovich take a knee just to survive, but come back and convincingly defeat the now former WBO champion. Later on in the month we saw Wladimir Klitschko establish himself as the No. 1 guy in the division by rattling Byrd's brain inside its skull for six rounds before the fight was mercifully stopped in the seventh, after Byrd had crumpled to the canvas twice. Then the complete sweep was made this past weekend when Oleg Maskaev showed that his one consistency was his ability to land his right hand on Rahman's head over and over again and twice claiming victory over the Baltimore native. So what is so damn great about this you ask? You will see.

Once again it all starts with Valuev. Now, Wladimir and Sergei are considered the strongest of the champions, and Valuev the weakest. So many fighters and fans feel that Valuev didn't beat Larry Donald, nor did he do enough to take Ruiz' belt. Couple that with who is possibly the most undeserving title challenger ever in Owen Beck, Valuev's first defense, and that has given foundation to the hope of many fighters who think Valuev is the easiest road to alphabet immortality. Enhanced focus and determination will push someone to come and take Valuev's title, whether it is Monte Barrett or some obscure fighter such as Tye Fields. 

For fighters more concerned about legacy, Wladimir Klitschko is the man they might pursue. It will take a great skill-set or a lucky punch to defeat the formidable Ukrainian. Whoever is up for the task of taking on Wladimir; glory, pride, and money will be the reward for them. Sergei is the most complete champion, but with Don King behind him, it will be a difficult task for Liakhovich to find worthy opponents willing to risk their careers for a shot at his title. 

All of this will lead to more American fighters wanting to recapture former glory for their country by training more often and actually taking their careers seriously. The mindset will be to train and prepare to beat the “commies.” Someone will be successful. It's just a matter of time before a young fighter, maybe someone such as Kevin Johnson, who might become the man when he realizes that the thing attached to his torso, his right arm, can be used to punch opponents alongside his left jab. Whoever is the first to realize victory can capitalize greatly on their career, both fiscally and professionally. 

The recent success of these European based champions can only add to the hope and desire of some young up and coming European prospects who feel that they can get a fair deal in America, if they train right and fight in an exciting fashion. If they don't there is always Germany. 

The success of Europeans in all levels of boxing has been demonstrated in the amateur ranks. American amateur boxing has slacked off the past couple of decades. Sure we will produce the occasional Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr., but who was the last dominant American heavyweight on the amateur or professional landscape? The Europeans train young and put vast amounts of resources in the amateur level, leading to better amateurs and better professionals, and eventually more prolific champions. To be able to compete, American amateur boxing needs to improve. We need to put more emphasis on fundamentals and national pride, and not the almighty dollar. Now I can't completely bash our amateur system. My colleague, Kenny Weldon, said that he recently visited an amateur event in Kansas City and the level of talent there was the best his eyes have witnessed. This is a telling observation because Weldon is one of the best trainers in the game, as well as the trainer of WBO heavyweight champion Sergei Liakhovich.

For the time being, Americans are being forced to swallow their collective pride and watch as the most famous title in all of sports is held by our 20th century enemy. The results of this humbling will only fuel the desire to overcome and conquer what is supposedly rightfully our title. What humbles us will give hope to all Europeans that this truly is an equal playing field and that the American juggernaut isn't so tough and intimidating. All of this will lead to better fighters and better competition. 

If we shine the proverbial light into the eyes of communist boxing and stare at its soul full of ideologies, we will see that it is capitalistic competition that has helped these men make the sport better. In the end the irony is the way we defeated the “commies” politically is the same way they have found success in the ring. So look a little closer and you will see a great future for the heavyweight division. You won't see race, religion, or creed; you will see great boxing, and that is all that matters.